Support structure for shelving

ABSTRACT

A pair of upstanding channeled studs are positioned vertically between an overlying horizontal cap and a horizontal floor track positioned beneath and parallel to the cap. The studs have main webs spaced apart to receive a pair of elongated upstanding substantially T-shaped interlock members which are secured in opposed substantially parallel relationship between the webs of the studs. Each interlock member has reversely folded portions to provide shallow spaced channels for adjustably receiving a vertical slotted bar and the inner ends of shelf brackets and clips. Each interlock member has a vertical inward passage behind the spaced channels for the reception of the inner ends of shelf brackets. An elongated slotted bar having a vertical row of slots is disposed in the vertical channels. Elongated stabilizing flanges extend outwardly from each slotted bar along each side of the row of slots to stabilize shelf brackets when positioned in the slots. T-shaped clips are inserted into slots near the upper and lower ends of the slotted bar and are secured to the interlock member so that the slotted bar is adjustably anchored in the interlock member. The inner ends of the shelf brackets are inserted between the stabilizing flanges through the slots, and into the vertical passages in the respective interlock members. T-shaped concealing members are inserted vertically between the stabilizing flanges and between adjacent shelf brackets in order to conceal from view the recess that exists between the stabilizing flanges and the junction between the stabilizing flanges and adjacent sheets of wallboard.

United States Patent [191 Costruba n11: 3,848,364 Nov. 19, 1974 [75]Inventor:

[73] Assignee: Angeles Metal Trim Co., Los

Angeles, Calif.

[22] Filed: Sept. 25, 1972 [2]] Appl. No.2 292,093

Related U.S. Application Data [62] Division of Ser. No. 00,048, Jan. 2,1970, Pat. No.

52 us. Cl 52/36, 52/73l-, 248/243 51 1m. (:1 A47g 29/02 58 Field ofSearch 52/36, 729, 731, 464, 468; 248/243 [56] References Cited UNITEDSTATES PATENTS 1,893,480 l/l933 Mitchell 52/7l0 3,08l,7l8 3/1963Shoffner 52/36 3,305,98l 2/1967 Biggs 52/36 3,407,547 l0/l968 Doke52/729 3,492,766 2/1970 Andrews 52/729 3,562,970 2/l97l Schwarz 52/363,638,370 2/l972 Miller 52/36 3,640,039 I 2/1972 McKee 52/464 3,730,4775/1973 Wavrnnek 52/36 Primary Examiner-Henry C. Sutherland AssistantExaminer-Henry Raduazo Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Reed C. Lawlor 57ABSTRACT A pair of upstanding channeledstuds aretpositioned verticallybetween an overlying horizontal cap and a horizontal floor trackpositioned beneath and parallel to the cap. The studs have main websspaced apart to receive a pair of elongated upstanding substantiallyT-shaped interlock members which are secured in opposed substantiallyparallel relationship between the webs of the studs. Each interlockmember has reversely folded portions to provide shallow spaced channelsfor adjustably receiving a vertical slotted bar and the inner ends ofshelf brackets and clips. Each interlock member has a vertical inwardpassage behind the spaced channels for the reception of the inner endsof shelf brackets. An elongated slotted bar having a vertical row ofslots is disposed in the vertical channels. Elongated stabilizingflanges extendouttween the stabilizing flanges through the slots, and tthe er isel nsasqsiath respective in members. T-shaped concealingmembers-are inserted vertically between the stabilizing flanges andbetween adjacent shelf brackets in order to conceal from view the recessthat exists between the stabilizing flanges and the junction between thestabilizing flanges and adjacent sheets of wallboard.

11 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENTELHUVIQW 3.848.364

sum nor 4 SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR SHELVING CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATEDAPPLICATIONS AND PATENTS:

U.S. Pat. No. 3,394,507, issued July 30, 1968.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,397,495, issued Aug. 20, 1968. U.S. Pat. No. 3,407,547,issued Oct. 29, I968.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,509,669, issued May 5, 1970.

This application is a division of patent application -Ser. No. 48, nowU.S. Pat. No. 3,714,748 that was filed on Jan. 2, 1970.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to structures forinterior walls of buildings and the like, and more especially to metalstructures particularly adapted for use as part of partition walls inbuildings, such as large merchandising establishments where merchandiseis' desirably displayed on shelves carried by supporting brackets andthe interior walls.

The particular object of the invention is to provide an efficient,durable, and comparatively inexpensive upstanding wall studconstructionwhich may carry wall ,material, such as wallboard and the like, andsupport brackets to support shelving in properly adjusted position. Afurther object is to provide a separately saleable interlock member foruse with various types of wall construction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention provides a wall structure towhich sheets of wall material may be anchored. In this invention, a pairof elongated upstanding channeled stud members, having their main websspaced apart, are disposed in opposed substantially parallelrelationship. An elongated upstanding interlock member, having thereinshallow elongated vertical channels extending longitudinally of theinterlock member and adapted to receive a support bar therein and havingan elongated vertical passage behind said vertical channels, is rigidlysecured between the stud main webs. An elongated support bar, having aslot communicating with the inward vertical passage, is positioned inthe vertical channels. Anchoring means secure the support bar in thevertical channel.

BRIEFDESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The presently preferred form of theinvention is disclosed in the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a partly sectional perspective view showing one embodiment ofthis invention in assembled form;

DESCRIPTION OF ONE EMBODIMENT With reference to the construction shownin FIG. 1, a dual element cap is illustrated in operative position atthe top of a drywall partition which employs studs 12 above whichthe'cap 10 is disposed and in line with which the inner element thereofis placed. The lower ends of the studs 12 are mounted on the floor track14. The lower ends of the wallboards 15 are positioned in contact withthe floor track 14.

The cap 10, the studs 12, and the floor track 14 may all be of variousconfigurations and made of various materials as will become apparent,but the best embodiment of these elements now known is shown anddescribed herein. Also, the invention will be described herein primarilyin connection with drywall construction, but it will be apparent thatvarious other types of partition wall materials may be employed in thisinvention.

Cap 10, studs 12, and floor track 14 are preferably constructed ofmetal, such as sheet steel and the like. Cap 10 includes two elements ofwhich one element 16 is an overlying cap member and the other is aninner dependent cap member 18 positioned to span the upper ends of thevarious metal studs 12 used along the wall.

More particularly, the upper cap element 16 is in the form of anelongated downwardly facing channel memher which includes elongated mainwall or web 20 and relatively narrow flanges 22 depending downwardlyfrom the side edges of the web 20 and extending lengthwise thereof. Theinner'dependent cap element 18 includes a longitudinally extending web25 disposed in parallel relation with the web 20 and integrally orrigidly secured thereto. Depending from the edge portion of the web 25are longitudinally directed flanges 28 ex- .tending appreciably belowflanges 22 of the cap element 16. The flanges 28 snugly engage the outersides of the metal studs 12 when in operative position. The upper edgesof the flanges 28 are integrally joined by ledges 32 to slopingconnector walls 30 which extend inwardly as they extend upward. Thesloping connector walls are integrally joined to the edges of the web25. Such a cap structure is described and claimed in U.S. Pat. No.3,397,495.

The studs 12 employed in this wall structure are typically in the formof C-shaped channels formed of 26 gauge steel, or about 0.022 inch inthickness, and having approximately a one-by-four inch overallcrosssection. Metal studs 12 include a vertically extending wall or mainweb 35, laterally directed vertical flanges 36 integral with the edgesof the web 35 and constituting the sides of the studs, and turned-instiffening flanges 38 which are relatively narrow.

In the assembled partition wall, pairs of the studs 12 are employedperiodically along the partition wall between the floor track 14 and thecap 10. The web 35 of each stud 12 is arranged back-to-back in opposedspaced relationship with respect to the corresponding web 35 of theother stud 12 of the pair. Interlock members 50, presently to be morefully described, are secured between the spaced webs 35 (see FIGS. 3 and4) to form a complete stud and interlock assembly. Such stud assembliesmay be produced in the shop or in the manufacturing plant in anyappropriate length and then moved onto the job for final wall assembly.Slotted bars and clips and may also be temporarily installed on theinterlock members 50 at this time and later properly adjusted andrigidly secured. The lower ends of the studs 12 are rested on the bottomwall 42 of the floor track 14. At the sides of the bottom wall 42,

upstanding flanges 44 are integrally provided and extend longitudinallyof the length of the bottom wall 42 being generally coextensive with thelongitudinal extension of the dual cap in a horizontal direction.

The flanges 36 of the studs 12 are disposed outwardly in opposedrelationship and bear against the inner surfaces of the flanges 44 ofthefloor track 14 and the inner surfaces of the flanges 28 of the cap10. The stud flanges 36 are, secured to the floor track flanges 44 andthe cap flanges 28 by nailing or the like.

The bottom wall 42 is secured to the floor F by nails or the like. Inaddition, it is usual to provide further stability to the partitionstructure by securing either the studs 12 at opposite ends of thepartition wall assembly to structural members or by securing the cap 10to the ceiling or both. This may be done by nailing, welding, or thelike.'

When the interlock and stud assembly of this invention is positionedbetween the floor track 14 and dual cap 10, the upper end of a sectionof wallboard 15 of appropriate length is introduced into a taperedpocket P (FIG. 1) which is provided between the flange 22 of the upperelement 16 and the flange 28 and a sloping wall 30 of the inner element18. As will be noted, the upper part of the pocket P is much wider thanthe vertical passageway provided between the flanges 22 and 28. Thus,the top of the wallboard 15 may be readily introduced upward into thepocket P by merely moving the lower end of the wallboard 15 outwardly todispose the board at an angle, inserting the top of the wallboard 15into the pocket P, and then swinging the lower end of the wallboard 15into positionadjacent to the stud 12 and interlock member and allowingthe lower end of the wallboard to slide downwardly onto the floor F.With the wallboard in this position, it is held vertically by the capelement 10 and is maintained in the horizontal direction betweenstabilizing flanges 132 and by screws 88 securing it to the stud flanges36, as is shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. A wall structure employing such a capis described and claimed in US. Pat. No. 3,397,495.

An important aspect of the wall construction of this invention is thatprovision be made in the stud and interlock assembly for the mounting ofshelf brackets or other supports. In the present construction this isaccomplished through the medium of a pair of upstanding elongated T- orV-shaped interlock members 50 which are secured between the webs 35 ofthe pair of studs 12 (FIGS. 3 and 4). An upstanding narrow plate orslotted bar 70 is mounted in shallow vertical channels formed by theflanges 51 of each interlock member 50. Each slotted bar 70 ispreferably flat and provided along its vertical median line withvertically disposed equally spaced slots 72 for reception of the innerends of brackets 100. The slots 72 are. preferably all of the same size.These bars are conveniently formed from elongated steel stock of about3/32 inch or Vs inch in thickness and have considerable load supportingability adequate for the purposes here required.

As is shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, and 5, the stem of each T-shaped interlockmember is U-shaped and comprises a pair of substantially parallel legs52. Opposed outstanding folded flanges 51, having reversely foldedportions 54 and outwardly extending portionsv 60, are formed integrallywith the outer vertical edges of the legs 52 of each T-shaped interlockmember 50 to form the head of the T. Each reversely folded portion 54 isreversely bent to provide a vertical channel 55. With this arrangement,each reversely folded portion 54 provides an inner vertical wall 56, avertical connecting wall 57, and a re-entrant opposing vertical wall 58.Such a construction is readily reproducible from steel sheeting having athickness of about 0.022 inch.

Re-entrant wall 58 leads to a position somewhat short of the projectionof the legs 52 of the interlock member at which position flange 51 isagain reversely bent to form an outer wall or outwardly extendingportion 60. Thus, there is provided between the outwardly extendingportions 60 an elongated vertical entryway 64 suffrciently wide to allowthe inner end of a bracket 100 to pass into a slotted bar 70. As is alsoseenpin FIGS. 1, 3, and 5, the two opposing vertical U-shaped channels55 provide a sufficiently wide slot or runway for the reception of aslotted bar 70. The legs 52 of the interlock member 50 behind the barare laterally offset to provide a U-shaped pocket or elongated verticalpassage 53 into which the inner portion of the shelf bracket 100 entersto contact legs 52 after being passed through a corresponding slot 72 inthe slotted bar 70. The contact between the legs 52 and the innerportion of the shelf brackets 100 stabilizes the shelf brackets 100against lateral swaying at their outer shelf-supporting ends. The closedend of the U of the passage 53 constitutes the portion of the interlockmember which is spaced farthest from the flanges 51 in a horizontalplane. The closed end provides an extremity of the interlock member andis not secured to any other member.

The pair of interlock members 50 are secured between the main webs 35 ofthe studs 12 in opposed spaced relationship by securing means 86, suchas screws, rivets, or the like, passing through the outwardly extendinginterlock portions 60 and the stud flanges 36. The interlock members 50are disposed in parallel relationship with the entryways 64 facingoutwardly for the reception of the inner end portions of shelf brackets100 or other supports.

The entryway 64 serves two purposes. One purpose is to provide for theinsertion of anchoring clips and 110, as best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and5, which are employed to anchor the slotted bar 70 in adjusted position.The other purpose is to permit the installation of inner ends of shelfsupporting brackets as indicated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. The inner orrearward end of the bracket 100, which is to be tipped to an angularposition for installation, is insertable in any one of the slots 72 ofthe slotted bar 70 and may include both an upper retention tongue 104 toengage behind the rear wall of the bar 70 above the respective slot 72and also a lower retention tongue 102 that engages behind the rear wallof the bar 70 below the respective slot 72 when a bracket 100 settlesinto operative position. In order to accommodate this inner tonguesection of the bracket 100 when installed in its operative position, thelateral legs 52 of the T-shaped interlock member 50 are desirably spacedin relationship to each other by vertical passage 53 to snugly receivesuch inner end portions of the bracket 100 and thereby limit or preventswinging movement of the outer end of the respective bracket 100.

An important feature of one embodiment of this invention resides in theemployment of clips as anchoring means for securing the slotted bar 70in adjusted relationship to the interlock member 50. The two clips 80and and their use are best shown in FIGS. 2 and 4.

Either clip may be employed exclusively in this embodiment of theinvention or both types of clips may be employed together.

Clip 80 is generally T-shaped and includesa stem portion 82, which isdouble walled, and a head portion or cross-element 84, which is alsodouble walled. The function of the stem 82 in each instance is to passthrough entryway 64 and to enter one of the slots 72in the'slotted bar70, other than a slot carrying a bracket 100, and to engage such slot 72snugly enough to hold the bar 70 in adjusted position. Also, the stem 82yieldably fits its slot 72 so that it snaps into position and is therebyretained within the slot by friction while the bar 70 is being adjusted.The function of the crosshead 84 in each instance is to fixedly engagethe outwardly extending flange portion 60 of the interlock member 50.Such fixed attachment may be effected through the medium ofself-threading screws 86 (FIG. 3) or the like. Screws .86 are introducedthrough holes 85 in the head portion of each clip 80, through theoutwardly extending flange portions 60 of the interlock member, andthrough the flanges 36 of the studs 12. Thus, the screws 86 serve tomaintain the clips 80, and thus the slotted bar 70, and the interlockmember 50 in position relative to the studs 12. Such a clip and wallstructure is described and claimed in US. Pat. No. 3,407,547.

Also important in this respect is the employment on the slotted bar 70of a stabilizing angle bar 130, shown in FIG. 5, at each side of the rowof slots 72 of the slotted bar 70. These angle bars 130 includeoutstanding longitudinally extending flange blades or plates 132integrally connected with transversely disposed elongated attachmentplates 134 rigidly attached by means of spot welds 135 to correspondingouter faces of the slotted bar 70. Desirably, the edges of theattachment plates 134 are rearwardly directed around the edge portionsof the slotted bar 70, as indicated at 136 to facilitate both stabilityand manufacture which, of course, adds somewhat to the effective widthof the slotted bar 70. A structure employing such a stabilizing anglebar is described and claimed in US. Pat. application Ser. No. 703,213.

The important functions of the angle bar stabilizer 130 are to stabilizeshelf brackets 100 against lateral swaying at their outer shelfsupporting ends and to provide good abutment walls for the adjacentwallboards whereby to protect the vertical edges of such wallboards. Therecess 138 between adjacent stabilizing flanges 132 is provided in orderto allow access of the inner ends of shelf brackets 100 to slots 72 andto allow the key 126 of the clip 110 to pass through slots 72.

With respect to use of the slotted bars 70 and their stabilizing angleflange members 130, it is necessary that these bars with theirstabilizers 130, which are also reinforcements, be adjustable verticallyalong the interlock members 50 within the channels 55 in order that theslots 72 may be vertically adjusted in order to position shelf brackets100 and their shelves in exactly level relationships.

It is possible, if required, to have the ends of each bar 70, or atleast one end thereof, extend somewhat beyond respective ends of theangle stabilizers 130, and then to employ clips 80 to enter slots 72 ofsuch bars, which slots are thereby exposed. The clips 80 are thensecured to the outwardly extending flange portions 60 of the interlockmembers 50 as has been previously described. However, it has been commonpractice to have one or both ends of the assembled slotted bars andtheir stabilizing angle members 130 arranged so that the ends of the bar70 and the adjacent respective end of the stabilizers 130 are cutexactly flush with one another as is shown at the bottom of FIG. 5. Thisfacilitates manufacture and assembly to the extent that much of thepreparatory work may be done at the factory or, if required to be cut toorder on the job by hand, they can be more conveniently cut flush as bysawing or by employment of other appropriate mctal cutters. Also, such aconstruction supports much heavier shear loads on walls so constructedin addition to facilitating manufacture and assembly in the plant andfacilitating construction and assembly on the job.

Consequently, in accordance with this improvement, at least one end ofeach slotted bar 70 and its angle stabilizers 130 attached thereto areterminated at positions which are substantially flush with one another.

Assembly of such a slotted bar and stabilizer arrangement on anupstanding interlock member 50 in channels 55, where the stabilizerportions 132, 134, and 136 are employed, requires employment of aspecial clip that can be attached to a slotted bar 70 of the describedarrangement. Clip 110 allows the bar 70 to be set in any adjustablypredetermined location and then accurately anchored in such adjustedposition by any suitable or convenient means, such as by self-threadingscrews, spot welding, or the like.

The clip 110, which may be employed either by itself or in conjunctionwith clip 80, is shown in FIG. 5. This clip is generally T-shaped in tworespects, i.e., in plan view and in elevation view. Thus, clips of thetype'll0 appear to be of T-shape when viewed along a vertical axis andalso when viewed along a certain horizontal axis. The clip 110 includestwo interconnected portions 112 and 114, the portion 112 constitutingthe head of the T and the portion 114 being integrally connected byintervening portion 116 to provide the stem or tongue of the T. Thisclip 110, like the clips 80, is formed of metal of substantially thesame quality as the stud members 12, such as gauge cold-rolled steel ofabout 0.0478 inch in thickness, or may be even formed of a somewhatheavier gauge. The head portion of the clip 1 10 is provided with tworelatively narrow laterally disposed wings 118 which are arranged atright angles to the stem provided by the parts 114 and 116 and a stemextension 120, such wings 118 being disposed in substantially'the sameplane. These wings 118, when positioned in operative relation, lie infront of major portions of the adjacent parts of the outstanding flangeportions 60 of the interlock member, and their extreme edge portionswill lie beyond the channels 55 of the interlock member 50. When thusproperly positioned in operative relationship, the wings 118 are rigidlyaffixed to the outwardly extending flange portions 60 by means ofself-threading screws 86 (FIG. 3) which, if desired, may be passedthrough two holes 122 in wings 118.

The stem of the clip 110 is in the form of the connected parts 114, 116,and 120, which extend longitudinally behind and beyond the head portion112 and the wings 118. As is seen in FIG. 5, the stem structure 114,116, and 120 is incut at its middle section, as indicated at 124, so asto yield at its extremity opposite from the head 112 a comparativeshallow tongue member or key 126.

For convenience of construction and installation, the length of the keymember 126, the length of the incut portion 124, and the longitudinaldimension of the wings 118 and the portion 120 of the stem beyond theincut 124 are equal. In addition, the slots 72 in the bar 70 are also ofthe same dimension and are spaced from one another by this samedimension. Thus, the tongue or key 126 will neatly enter a slot 72 andthe incut 124 will neatly accommodate the portion of the bar 70 betweentwo slots. A wall structure employing such a clip is described andclaimed in US Pat. application Ser. No. 703,213.

In the usual practice of utilizing the clip 110, the key 126 will bepassed into a slot 72 somewhat closer to the end of the bar 70 than aslot length or the length of the incut 124. Thus, with an assembled bar70 partly installed in the end of the interlock member 50, the key 124may be introduced into the respective slot 72 above the end of theslotted bar 70 as is indicated in FIG. 5. This will bring the wings 118into position such that when the slotted bar 24 and the clip 110 arepushed longitudinally upwards into the channels 55, the folded portions114, 116, and 120 of the stem will be disposed longitudinally in thevertical passageway 53 behind the slotted bar 70 and the wings 118 willlie in front of the outwardly extending flange portions 60 of theinterlock member 50 and below the end of the slotted bar 70. When theexact vertical position of the slots 72 to accommodate the brackets 100is established, the anchor screws 86 are installed to maintain the partsin fixed relationship. Similarly, the wallboards 15 may be secured ,tothe stud flanges 36 by longer screws 88, as is shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.The vertical edges of the wallboards are positioned adjacent to thestabilizing so that their vertical edges are spaced from the slots 72 inorder to allow access of the inner ends of shelf brackets 100 to theentryway 64 and the slots 72.

A T-shaped decorative strip or concealing member 140, shown best in FIG.5, is employed to conceal the stabilizing flanges 132, the recess 138,and the slots 72 from view. It also conceals the junction between sheetsof wallboard l5 and the stabilizing flanges 132. Concealing member 140is preferably constructed of a material, such as stiff plastic or thelike, which is flexible compared with the steel sheeting materialcomprising the clips 80. The concealing member 140 includes a stemportion 142 and a head portion 144. The stem portion 142 is a narrowelongated strip which is adapted to enter the recess 138 between thestabilizing flanges 132. The stem 142 has gripping elements formedintegrally on its two opposed faces. These elements are in the form of aseries of narrow ridges or ribs 146 which extend vertically and inparallel lines the length of the stem 142. These ridges 146 have crosssections in the form of barbs that point toward the head 144 so that atonce the concealing member stem 142 is inserted into the slot 138, theridges 146 lock the stem 142 in the recess 138.

The concealing member head 144 includes two elongated curved wings 148formed integrally with the end of the stem 142. The wings 148 are curvedslightly inwards towards the stem 142 and are sufficiently wide to spanthe width of the gap 138 and the thickness of the stabilizing flanges132 in order to mate snugly with the wallboards at a point beyond thejunction between the wallboards 15 and the stabilizing flanges 132.

After the brackets are placed in position, the concealing members areinserted between the stabilizing flanges 132 in the remaining portionsof the recess 138 between the shelf brackets 100.

As is shown in FIG. 1, the previously described stud and interlockmember assemblies are employed at spaced positions along a partitionwall or the like in order to form a complete wall. Partition wallmaterial 15 may be placed on either or both sides of the studs 12. Inaddition, intermediate studs or stiffening members spaced between thestuds 12 may be employed to help brace the entire structure (FIG. 1). Ithas been found helpful to secure the wallboard to the flanges of suchintermediate studs by means of screws or the like, in order to securethe partition walls to these intermediate studs and thus provide a morestable or stiff overall structure.

DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS In another embodiment of thisinvention, one of the interlock members 50 may be omitted between eachpair of studs 12 and the wallboard 15 placed on only one side of thestuds 12. In this alternative embodiment of the invention, the studs 12are positioned at their vertical edges opposite from the remaininginterlock member 50 by screws or the like securing the flanges 36 of thestuds 12 to the floor track 14 and cap 10.

In another embodiment of the invention, shown in the upper one-half ofFIG. 3, a structure is provided which is identical to the firstembodiment previously described except for the omission of clips 80 and110. Instead of clips 80 and 110, screws 200 or the like are employed toposition the slotted bar 70 in adjusted relationship to the interlockmember 50. Such screws 200 are driven through the outwardly extendingflange portions 60 and wall portions 56 and 57 of the interlock member,and simultaneously through the slotted bar 70 and the stabilizerattachment plates 134.

In another embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 6, a structure isprovided which is similar to those previously described except that theorientation of the studs 12 is reversed so that the studs face eachother, that is, so that the concave sides of the studs face each other.With the studs 212 of this embodiment of the invention positioned facingeach other, the vertical flanges 236 are inserted between the reverselyfolded and outwardly extending flange portions of the interlock members.This arrangement provides a more rigid structure than those previouslydescribed. Additionaly, an assembly which is less expensive and which ismore easily constructed than those previously described is therebyprovided.

More particularly, studs 212 are typically in the form of C-shapedchannels, as previously described, except that the tumed-in stiffeningflanges 38 have been eliminated. The metal studs 212 include a verticalextending wall or main web 235, and laterally directed vertical flanges236 integral with the edges of the web 235 and constituting the sides ofthe studs.

In the assembled partition wall, each stud 212 of a pair is arrangedfacing the corresponding stud 212 of the pair and the web 235 of eachstud 212 is arranged in opposed spaced relationship with respect to thecorresponding web 235 of the other stud 212 of the pair. The interlockmembers 50 are secured between the spaced webs 235 to form a completestud and interlock assembly by inserting the vertical flanges 236 of thestuds 212 between the respective opposing vertical walls 58 of thereversely folded portions 54 and the outwardly extending portions 60 ofthe outstanding folded flanges 51.

Since'the vertical walls 58 and the corresponding outwardly extendingportions 60 are initially either in contact with each other or in closeproximity to each other, the insertion of the flange 236 therebetweenwill cause frictional engagement between the flange 236 and therespective vertical wall 58 and outwardly extending portion 60. In suchan arrangement, the interlock member 50 will be held or supported on theflanges 236 by frictional engagement with the opposing vertical wall 58and outwardly extending portion'60.

The reversal of the orientation of the studs 212 has the furtheradvantage of terminating the outer extremity of the flange 236 atapproximately the same position as the termination of the outwardlyextending portion 60. This eliminates the gap between the wallboard andstud flange 236 which occurs in the other embodiments of this inventionpreviously described (see FIG. 3). The elimination of this gap reducesthe tendency of the section of the wallboard 15 to bow away from theinterlock member 50 at the stabilizing flanges 132 due to thecompressive force formerly placed upon the wallboard 15 by the screws88.

It will be clear that the screws 86, shown in the upper portion of FIG.3, are not necessary in this embodiment for the purpose of securing theinterlock member 50 to the studs 212. Due to the coincident terminationof the flanges 236 and the outwardly extending portions 60,

the screws 88 now serve the double function of securing both thewallboard 15 and the interlock member 50 to the vstuds 212. However,when clips are employed, as in the lower portion of FIG. 3, it becomesnecessary to employ the screws 86 in order to secure the clips to theinterlock member 50.

This alternative embodiment of the invention also facilitatesconstruction of the stud and interlock assembly by allowing theinterlock member 50 to be temporarily suspended from the studs 212 bythe aforementioned frictional engagement with the flanges 236 of thestuds while the screws 88 are being driven to provide for securing theflange 236 of the stud 212 to the outwardly extending portion 60 of theinterlock member 50. In the other embodiments of this inventionpreviously discussed, it is necessary to manually or otherwise hold theinterlock member 50 in place against the studs 12 while the screws 86are being driven through the outwardly extending portion 60 and theflanges 36 in order to secure the interlock members 50 in place on thestuds 12.

In this embodiment of the invention, the legs 52 of the stems of theinterlock member 50 areshorter than those previously described and shownin FIGS. 3 and 4. A larger gap 300, shown in FIG. 6, is thus providedbetween the adjacent ends of the legs 52. This gap is of sufficientwidth to allow the passage of a structural member 320 between theadjacent ends of the legs in a direction perpendicular to the plane ofthe webs 235 of the studs 212. Such a structural member 320 is[therefore enabled to pass unobstructed through aper- This alternativeembodiment of the invention may be used with either one or two interlockmembers between each pair of studs 212, as previously described. Also,

this alternative embodiment of the invention may be used either with orwithout clips, as previously described and as shown in FIG. 3.

While certain forms of the invention have been herein disclosed, it maybe seen that other forms may be produced which may constitute otherembodiments of this invention within the scope of the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:

l. A building structure. comprising:

a pair of elongated upstanding channeled stud members having main websspaced apart and disposed in opposed substantially parallelrelationship;

an elongated upstanding interlock member having therein a shallowelongated vertical channel extending longitudinally of said interlockmember adapted to adjustably receive a support bar therein, saidinterlock member having an inward elongated vertical passage behind saidvertical channel;

said passage having a U-shaped closed end extending longitudinally ofsaid interlock member, said closed end forming one extremity of saidinterlock member;

means for securing said interlock member and said studs together as aninterlocked rigid structure;

an elongated support bar positioned in said vertical channel having aslot communicating with said inward vertical passage; and

anchoring means adapted to anchor said support bar in said verticalchannel.

2. A building structure, comprising:

a pair of elongated, upstanding channeled stud members having main websspaced apart and disposed in opposed substantially parallelrelationship;

an elongated upstanding substantially T-shaped interlock member disposedin substantially parallel relationship with said main webs, saidinterlock member having a double-legged stem and a pair of opposedupstanding flanges formed integrally with edges of the legs of saidT-shaped interlock member;

said pairs of flanges having outwardly extending portions and havingreversely folded portions providing shallow spaced vertical channelsextending longitudinally of said interlock member to receive a verticalslotted bar, the reversely folded portions being opposed and providingbetween them a vertical entryway into said channels;

vertical inward portions of said T-shaped interlock member providingbetween said legs an inward vertical passage behind said entrywayforreception of inner ends of shelf brackets;

said passage having a U-shaped closed end opposite said entryway, saidclosed end forming the portion of the interlock member spaced farthestfrom said flanges; and

means for securing said interlock member andsaid studs together as aninterlocked rigid structure.

3. A building structure, comprising:

a pair of elongated upstanding channeled stud members having main websspaced apart and disposed in opposed substantially parallelrelationship;

means rigidly connecting said stud members in said parallelrelationship;

an elongated upstanding interlock member having therein a shallowelongated vertical channel extending longitudinally of said interlockmember adapted to adjustably receive a support bar therein, saidinterlock member having an inward elongated vertical passage behind saidvertical channel;

said interlock member having a U-shaped doublelegged stem terminating atthe closed end of the U and outwardly extending flanges formed at theedges of said legs,-said closed end forming the portion of the interlockmember spaced farthest from said flanges;-

means for securing said interlock member and said studs together as aninterlocked rigid structure;

an elongated support bar positioned in said vertical channel having arow of slots communicating with said inward vertical passage;

anchoring means adapted to anchor said support bar in said verticalchannel;

an elongated stabilizing flange extending outwardly along said supportbar at each side of said row of slots, said flanges being spaced toadmit shelf brackets to said slots and to stabilize said bracket;

a sheet of wallboard secured to each said stud in opposed spacedrelationship, the edge portions of said sheets of wallboard lyingadjacent to said stabilizing flanges to permit access to said slots;

shelf brackets extending between said stabilizingflanges and between theedges of said wallboard into adjacent slots in said support bar, theinner end of each said shelf bracket passing through an adjacent slotinto said vertical inward passage and engaging said slotted bar therebylocking said shelf bracket in position relative to said support bar;

T-shaped elongated concealing means insertable vertically between saidstabilizing flanges and between adjacent shelf brackets for concealingfrom view said slots and the junction between said wallboard and saidstabilizing flanges.

4. A building structure as defined in claim 3 wherein said T-shapedelongated concealing means comprises an insertable stem and a headportion formed integrally with one end of said insertable stern, saidhead portion having sufficient width to exceed the gap betweenexternally visible portions of said sheets of wallboard.

5. A building structure as defined in claim 3 wherein said anchoringmeans comprises;

a first T-shaped clip adapted to be secured to the upper end of saidsupport bar, said clip having a head portion and a stem portion, thehead portion having flanges secured to said outwardly extending portionsof said interlock flanges, and said stem portion projecting through anadjacent slot in the upper end of said support bar; and

a second clip which is in part T-shaped, said second clip being adaptedto engage the lower end of said slotted bar, the head of the T havingflat flanges secured to said outwardly extending portions of saidinterlock flanges below the lower end of said slotted bar, the stem ofthe T being insertable into said vertical passage and including a keyportion moveable along said passage with the key portion being spacedvertically from the T-head and engaging in anchoring relation within anadjacent slot near the lower end of said support bar thereby anchoringsaid support bar to said interlock member.

6. building structure comprising:

and flanges projecting upwardly from the edges of said bottom wallmember; a

a horizontal cap member-positioned parallel to and above the floor trackhaving a horizontal top wall member, outer flanges depending downwardlyfrom the edges of said top'wall member, and inner flanges dependingdownwardly from said top wall member and spaced inwardly from said outerflanges;

a pair of elongated upstanding channeled stud members having main websspaced apart and disposed in opposed substantially parallelrelationship, said studs providing opposed spaced flange portions formedintegrally with adjacent edges of said webs;

said stud members resting on said bottom wall member of the floor trackin position so that the lower ends of said stud flange portions arepositioned adjacent to said floor track flanges and the upper ends ofsaid stud flange portions are positioned adjacent to said inner flangesof said cap member;

a pair of elongated upstanding substantially T-shaped interlock membersdisposed in opposed substantially parallel relationship between saidmain webs, each interlock member having a U-shaped doublelegged stem anda pair of opposed outstanding flanges formed integrally with the edgesof the legs of said T-shaped interlock member;

said double-legged stem terminating at the closed end of the U, saidclosed end forming the portion of the interlock member spaced farthestfrom said flanges;

said pairs of flanges having outwardly extending portions and havingreversely foldedportions providing shallow spaced vertical channelsextending longitudinally of said interlock member to adjustably receivea vertical slotted bar, the reversely folded portions being opposed andproviding between them a vertical entryway into said channels;

vertical inward portions of each said T-shaped interlock memberproviding between said legs and inward vertical passage behind saidentryway for reception of inner ends of shelf brackets;

means rigidly securing each said interlock member between said stud mainwebs, said securing means connecting said stud flange portions to therespective outwardly extending portions of said interlock flanges sothat each said vertical passage faces outwardly to receive the innerends of shelf brackets between said legs;

an elongated slotted bar vertically disposed in said vertical channelsbetween said reversely folded flange portions and adjustable therein,said slotted bar having a row of slots therethrough communicating withsaid respective inward vertical passage and with said respectivevertical entryway for reception and positioning of inner ends of shelfbrackets;

anchoring means through each said slotted bar secured to the outwardlyextending portions of the flanges of each said interlock memberadjustably holding said slotted bar in a vertical position relative tosaid vertical channels;

an elongated stabilizing flange extending outwardly along each saidslotted bar at each side of said row of slots, said flanges being spacedto admit shelf brackets to said slots and stabilize said brackets;

a sheet of wallboard secured to each said stud flange portion in opposedspaced relationship, the edge portions of sheets of wallboard lyingadjacent to said stabilizing flanges to permit access to said entryway;

shelf brackets extending between said stabilizing flanges and betweenthe edges of said wallboard through said entryways and into adjacentslots in said slotted bars, the inner end of each said shelf bracketpassing through an adjacent slot into said respective vertical inwardpassage and engaging said slotted bar thereby locking said shelf bracketin position relative to said slotted bar;

T-shaped elongated concealing means insertable vertically between saidstabilizing flanges and between adjacent shelf brackets for concealingfrom view said entryway and the junction between said sheets ofwallboard and said stabilizing flanges; and

stiffening members positioned between said floor track and said capmember and spaced from said stud members.

7. A building structure as defined in claim 6 wherein said anchoringmeans comprises;

a clip which is in part T-shaped, said clip being adapted to engage thelower end of said slotted bar, the head of the T having flat flangessecured to said outward extending portions of said interlock flangesbelow the lower end of said slotted bar, the stem of the T beinginsertable into said vertical passage and including a key portionmoveable along said passage with the key portion being spaced verticallyfrom the T-head and engaging in anchoring relation within an adjacentslot near the lower end of said slotted bar thereby anchoring saidslotted bar to said interlock member; and

wherein at least one end of said slotted bar and the adjacent ends ofsaid stabilizing flanges terminate in positions substantially flush withone another.

8. A building structure as defined in claim 6 wherein said anchoringmeans comprises;

said anchoring means comprises;

a first T-shaped clip adapted to be secured to the upper end of saidslotted bar, said clip having a head portion and a stem portion, thehead portion having flanges secured to said outwardly extending portionsof said interlock flanges, and said stem portion projecting through anadjacent slot in the upper end of said slotted bar;

a second clip which is in part T-shaped, said second clip being adaptedto engage the lower end of said slotted bar, the head of the T havingflat flanges secured to said outwardly extending portions of saidinterlock flanges below the lower end of said slotted bar, the stem ofthe T being insertable into said vertical passage and including a keyportion moveable along said passage with the key portion being spacedvertically from the T-head and engaging in anchoring relation within anadjacent slot near the lower end of said slotted bar thereby anchoringsaid slotted bar to said interlock member; and

wherein at least one end of said slotted bar and the adjacent ends ofsaid stabilizing flanges terminate in position substantially flush toone another.

10. A building structure as defined in claim 6 wherein said stud membersare disposed back to back in said opposed substantially parallelrelationship.

11. A building structure as defined in claim 6 wherein said studmembersare disposed facing each other and with their flange portions projectinginwardly between said outwardly extending portions and said reverselyfolded portions of said interlock members, said interlock membersthereby being held in frictional engagement with the flanges of saidstud members.

1. A building structure, comprising: a pair of elongated upstandingchanneled stud members having main webs spaced apart and disposed inopposed substantially parallel relationship; an elongated upstandinginterlock member having therein a shallow elongated vertical channelextending longitudinally of said interlock member adapted to adjustablyreceive a support bar therein, said interlock member having an inwardelongated vertical passage behind said vertical channel; said passagehaving a U-shaped closed end extending longitudinally of said interlockmember, said closed end forming one extremity of said interlock member;means for securing said interlock member and said studs together as aninterlocked rigid structure; an elongated support bar positioned in saidvertical channel having a slot communicating with said inward verticalpassage; and anchoring means adapted to anchor said support bar in saidvertical channel.
 2. A building structure, comprising: a pair ofelongated, upstanding channeled stud members having main webs spacedapart and disposed in opposed substantially parallel relationship; anelongated upstanding substantially T-shaped interlock member disposed insubstantially parallel relationship with said main webs, said interlockmember having a double-legged stem and a pair of opposed upstandingflanges formed integrally with edges of the legs of said T-shapedinterlock member; said pairs of flanges having outwardly extendingportions and having reversely folded portions providing shallow spacedvertical channels extending longitudinally of said interlock member toreceive a vertical slotted bar, the reversely folded portions beingopposed and providing between them a vertical entryway into saidchannels; vertical inward portions of said T-shaped interlock memberproviding between said legs an inward vertical passage behind saidentryway for reception of inner ends of shelf brackets; said passagehaving a U-shaped closed end opposite said entryway, said closed endforming the portion of the interlock member spaced farthest from saidflanges; and meaNs for securing said interlock member and said studstogether as an interlocked rigid structure.
 3. A building structure,comprising: a pair of elongated upstanding channeled stud members havingmain webs spaced apart and disposed in opposed substantially parallelrelationship; means rigidly connecting said stud members in saidparallel relationship; an elongated upstanding interlock member havingtherein a shallow elongated vertical channel extending longitudinally ofsaid interlock member adapted to adjustably receive a support bartherein, said interlock member having an inward elongated verticalpassage behind said vertical channel; said interlock member having aU-shaped double-legged stem terminating at the closed end of the''''U'''' and outwardly extending flanges formed at the edges of saidlegs, said closed end forming the portion of the interlock member spacedfarthest from said flanges; means for securing said interlock member andsaid studs together as an interlocked rigid structure; an elongatedsupport bar positioned in said vertical channel having a row of slotscommunicating with said inward vertical passage; anchoring means adaptedto anchor said support bar in said vertical channel; an elongatedstabilizing flange extending outwardly along said support bar at eachside of said row of slots, said flanges being spaced to admit shelfbrackets to said slots and to stabilize said bracket; a sheet ofwallboard secured to each said stud in opposed spaced relationship, theedge portions of said sheets of wallboard lying adjacent to saidstabilizing flanges to permit access to said slots; shelf bracketsextending between said stabilizing flanges and between the edges of saidwallboard into adjacent slots in said support bar, the inner end of eachsaid shelf bracket passing through an adjacent slot into said verticalinward passage and engaging said slotted bar thereby locking said shelfbracket in position relative to said support bar; T-shaped elongatedconcealing means insertable vertically between said stabilizing flangesand between adjacent shelf brackets for concealing from view said slotsand the junction between said wallboard and said stabilizing flanges. 4.A building structure as defined in claim 3 wherein said T-shapedelongated concealing means comprises an insertable stem and a headportion formed integrally with one end of said insertable stem, saidhead portion having sufficient width to exceed the gap betweenexternally visible portions of said sheets of wallboard.
 5. A buildingstructure as defined in claim 3 wherein said anchoring means comprises;a first T-shaped clip adapted to be secured to the upper end of saidsupport bar, said clip having a head portion and a stem portion, thehead portion having flanges secured to said outwardly extending portionsof said interlock flanges, and said stem portion projecting through anadjacent slot in the upper end of said support bar; and a second clipwhich is in part T-shaped, said second clip being adapted to engage thelower end of said slotted bar, the head of the T having flat flangessecured to said outwardly extending portions of said interlock flangesbelow the lower end of said slotted bar, the stem of the T beinginsertable into said vertical passage and including a key portionmoveable along said passage with the key portion being spaced verticallyfrom the T-head and engaging in anchoring relation within an adjacentslot near the lower end of said support bar thereby anchoring saidsupport bar to said interlock member.
 6. A building structurecomprising: a horizontal floor track having a bottom wall member andflanges projecting upwardly from the edges of said bottom wall member; ahorizontal cap member positioned parallel to and above the floor trackhaving a horizontal top wall member, outer flanges depending downwardlyfrom the edges of said top wall member, and inner flanges dependinGdownwardly from said top wall member and spaced inwardly from said outerflanges; a pair of elongated upstanding channeled stud members havingmain webs spaced apart and disposed in opposed substantially parallelrelationship, said studs providing opposed spaced flange portions formedintegrally with adjacent edges of said webs; said stud members restingon said bottom wall member of the floor track in position so that thelower ends of said stud flange portions are positioned adjacent to saidfloor track flanges and the upper ends of said stud flange portions arepositioned adjacent to said inner flanges of said cap member; a pair ofelongated upstanding substantially T-shaped interlock members disposedin opposed substantially parallel relationship between said main webs,each interlock member having a U-shaped double-legged stem and a pair ofopposed outstanding flanges formed integrally with the edges of the legsof said T-shaped interlock member; said double-legged stem terminatingat the closed end of the ''''U'''', said closed end forming the portionof the interlock member spaced farthest from said flanges; said pairs offlanges having outwardly extending portions and having reversely foldedportions providing shallow spaced vertical channels extendinglongitudinally of said interlock member to adjustably receive a verticalslotted bar, the reversely folded portions being opposed and providingbetween them a vertical entryway into said channels; vertical inwardportions of each said T-shaped interlock member providing between saidlegs and inward vertical passage behind said entryway for reception ofinner ends of shelf brackets; means rigidly securing each said interlockmember between said stud main webs, said securing means connecting saidstud flange portions to the respective outwardly extending portions ofsaid interlock flanges so that each said vertical passage facesoutwardly to receive the inner ends of shelf brackets between said legs;an elongated slotted bar vertically disposed in said vertical channelsbetween said reversely folded flange portions and adjustable therein,said slotted bar having a row of slots therethrough communicating withsaid respective inward vertical passage and with said respectivevertical entryway for reception and positioning of inner ends of shelfbrackets; anchoring means through each said slotted bar secured to theoutwardly extending portions of the flanges of each said interlockmember adjustably holding said slotted bar in a vertical positionrelative to said vertical channels; an elongated stabilizing flangeextending outwardly along each said slotted bar at each side of said rowof slots, said flanges being spaced to admit shelf brackets to saidslots and stabilize said brackets; a sheet of wallboard secured to eachsaid stud flange portion in opposed spaced relationship, the edgeportions of sheets of wallboard lying adjacent to said stabilizingflanges to permit access to said entryway; shelf brackets extendingbetween said stabilizing flanges and between the edges of said wallboardthrough said entryways and into adjacent slots in said slotted bars, theinner end of each said shelf bracket passing through an adjacent slotinto said respective vertical inward passage and engaging said slottedbar thereby locking said shelf bracket in position relative to saidslotted bar; T-shaped elongated concealing means insertable verticallybetween said stabilizing flanges and between adjacent shelf brackets forconcealing from view said entryway and the junction between said sheetsof wallboard and said stabilizing flanges; and stiffening memberspositioned between said floor track and said cap member and spaced fromsaid stud members.
 7. A building structure as defined in claim 6 whereinsaid anchoring means comprises; a clip which is in part T-shaped, saidclip being adapted to engage the lower end of said slotted bar, the headof the T having flat flanges secured to said outward extending portionsof said interlock flanges below the lower end of said slotted bar, thestem of the T being insertable into said vertical passage and includinga key portion moveable along said passage with the key portion beingspaced vertically from the T-head and engaging in anchoring relationwithin an adjacent slot near the lower end of said slotted bar therebyanchoring said slotted bar to said interlock member; and wherein atleast one end of said slotted bar and the adjacent ends of saidstabilizing flanges terminate in positions substantially flush with oneanother.
 8. A building structure as defined in claim 6 wherein saidanchoring means comprises; a T-shaped clip adapted to be secured to theupper end of said slotted bar, said clip having a head portion and astem portion, the head portion having flanges secured to said outwardlyextending portions of said interlock flanges, and said stem portionprojecting through an adjacent slot in the upper end of said slottedbar.
 9. A building structure as defined in claim 6 wherein saidanchoring means comprises; a first T-shaped clip adapted to be securedto the upper end of said slotted bar, said clip having a head portionand a stem portion, the head portion having flanges secured to saidoutwardly extending portions of said interlock flanges, and said stemportion projecting through an adjacent slot in the upper end of saidslotted bar; a second clip which is in part T-shaped, said second clipbeing adapted to engage the lower end of said slotted bar, the head ofthe T having flat flanges secured to said outwardly extending portionsof said interlock flanges below the lower end of said slotted bar, thestem of the T being insertable into said vertical passage and includinga key portion moveable along said passage with the key portion beingspaced vertically from the T-head and engaging in anchoring relationwithin an adjacent slot near the lower end of said slotted bar therebyanchoring said slotted bar to said interlock member; and wherein atleast one end of said slotted bar and the adjacent ends of saidstabilizing flanges terminate in position substantially flush to oneanother.
 10. A building structure as defined in claim 6 wherein saidstud members are disposed back to back in said opposed substantiallyparallel relationship.
 11. A building structure as defined in claim 6wherein said stud members are disposed facing each other and with theirflange portions projecting inwardly between said outwardly extendingportions and said reversely folded portions of said interlock members,said interlock members thereby being held in frictional engagement withthe flanges of said stud members.